15+ Surprising Uses for Eggshells

One of the most practical uses for eggshells pertains to the cosmetic category. Pulverized and mixed with nail polish or enamel, eggshells can help strengthen your nails.

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The majority of people just throw eggshells in the trash; however, they can be really useful in our everyday lives. In the following article, we’ll cover some of the most surprising uses for eggshells.

Eggshell Facts

An eggshell is composed of calcium carbonate, which is also an ingredient found in certain antacids. The shell of a medium-sized egg contains approximately 750-800 mg of calcium.

The shell accounts for 9-12% of the total weight of the egg and has pores that allow for the exchange of oxygen and the release of moisture and carbon dioxide.

The color of the shell depends on the breed of hen that laid the egg. White hens produce eggs of the same color, and brown ones lay brown eggs.

What can the shell be used for?

Use as natural bandages

The eggshell membrane (the slightly transparent film inside) is used to help heal cuts and scratches. So, the next time you get hurt, apply and let it do its job.

Enhance the flavor of your coffee

If you brew coffee with some eggshells (a practice that’s been around for centuries), it will reduce the bitterness. Remember to thoroughly wash the shells and strain the coffee to avoid swallowing any pieces.

Repel pests in the garden

Soft-bodied animals like slugs and snails cannot travel across the sharp pieces of eggshell, keeping your plants and flowers safe from these predators.

Give tomatoes a “calcium boost”

If you have a garden, then you probably know that tomato plants have a problem supporting the weight of their fruit. Experienced gardeners often put eggshells in the soil where tomatoes are grown to help combat this problem.

Eat them

Many people eat eggshells because of their impressive calcium content. To eat them, crush and use them in your meals, sprinkle on soups, desserts, sauces, creams, salads, etc. They won’t affect the taste of the food and the good news is they’ll improve the health of your bones.

Starting seeds

If you’re starting a garden (or even a container garden) you can add eggshells to the soil, just like with tomatoes. Mix some eggshells along with some compost or fertilizer into your soil. You can also scatter them on top of the soil of your garden and flowers or add them to a compost pile.

Sharpen and clean kitchen utensils

Place the shell, as complete as possible, in the freezer and use it to clean and sharpen the blades of your blender. Just add water and run the blender.

Treat canine diarrhea

If your dog ate something it shouldn’t have, you can pulverize some eggshells with some coffee grounds to make a powder. Sprinkle a few teaspoons into the dog’s food and diarrhea should disappear within one day.

Use as a mineral supplement

Soak some eggshells in water with lemon juice for a few weeks and keep this mixture in the refrigerator. Add a little to fruit and vegetable smoothies to provide your body with extra minerals.

Decorate your house

You can make Christmas ornaments from the shells. You may need to take a course or have lots of patience and a steady hand. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained, and also the perfect way to spend less this holiday season.

Remove stuck on food

Crushed eggs shells can be used to scrub pots that have food stuck to the bottom and sides. Try using some eggshells to scrub pots and pans the next time you wash dishes.

Strengthen nails

Crush an eggshell into a powder and add a little to your nail polish or enamel to strengthen your nails with each application. This is perfect for those women that have problems getting their nails to grow or suffer from frequent breaks.

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